Positive, limited and negative responders: The variability in physical fitness adaptation to basic military training

Objectives: To investigate the heterogeneity of physical adaptation in Australian Army recruits completing a 12-week basic military training regimen. Design: A prospective research design. Methods: Volunteer recruits (n = 195) completed 12-weeks of basic military training. Recruit physical fitness was assessed at week 1, weeks 6–8 and week 12. Recruits in the upper (75th) and lower (25th) quartiles for each assessment were then analysed using a repeated measures two-way ANOVA. The relative magnitude of recruit adaptions were classified as positive response (Rpositive, ≥5%), limited response (Rlimited, \u3e−5% to \u3c5%) and negative response (Rnegative, ≤−5%); Chi-square analysis determined the proportional differences in the distribution of each quartile. Results: An interaction (p \u3c 0.001) was observed in the lower and upper recruit quartiles for all assessments of physical fitness at each time point. After 12 weeks of military training the mean difference of the highest quartile was; 20-m multi-stage fitness test 7.4 mL·kg−1·min−1, (CI:5.8:9.1), 2-min push-ups 20.1 reps, (CI:16.2:23.9), 1RM box lift 5.6 kg, (CI:2.6:5.8) and load carriage 222.1 s, (CI:174.7:269.4) compared to the lowest recruit quartile. The highest quartile demonstrated no improvement in 1RM box lift (−4%, −1%) and push-ups (2%, 0%) performance at weeks 6–8 and week 12 respectively. In contrast, adaptations in the lowest quartile for 1RM box lift (16%, 21%) and push-ups (46%, 46%) over the same time periods were observed. Conclusions: A significant proportion of recruits may complete basic military training with a decline in physical performance. Higher relative-intensity cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise should be considered to facilitate physical adaptation in all recruits

Supporting placement supervision in clinical exercise physiology

The continued engagement of the professional workforce as supervisors is critical for the sustainability and growth of work-integrated learning activities in university degrees. This study investigated factors that influence the willingness and ability of clinicians to continue to supervise clinical exercise physiology work-integrated learning opportunities and makes recommendations for future supervision engagement. Themes identified from a supervisor survey were: staffing and time availability; administrative processes and support; student quality, knowledge and attitudes; student learning experiences; supporting the profession; service benefit; clinical personal benefit; funding; workplace support; staff qualifications and experience; prior positive experiences; future recruitment; facilities and infrastructure; and supporting the university. The responses resulted in five key recommendations for future enhanced and sustainable placement supervision. These were: adoption of efficient supervision structures; development and use of a competency checklist; enhanced recognition of supervision; standardized placement paperwork and assessment tools; and broadening of placement scheduling

Determination of clinical competencies for exercise physiology students

Introduction: Clinical placements and assessment are a key part of health professional education. However, quality assessment in a clinical environment is difficult to achieve without a clear picture of what constitutes competence. The aim of this study was to establish a set of competencies that describe the attributes considered critical to ensuring an entry-level exercise physiologist (EP) can practice safely and effectively with a client-centred philosophy. Methods: This study used a mixed methods, multiphase approach. The competencies, which are organised into units of competency with underlying elements, were developed following online surveys and focus groups involving those with expertise in the area, with additional refinement provided by the project team. A first-stage validation was conducted via electronic survey where (i) participants rated the importance of each unit of competency to practice as an entry-level EP; and (ii) those participants who were recently graduated EPs rated the extent to which they perceived they were competent in each unit. Results: The final set of competencies is described as 19 elements organised into 6 units. The units are: (i) Communication, (ii) Professionalism, (iii) Assessment and Interpretation, (iv) Planning and delivery of an exercise and/or physical activity intervention, (v) Lifestyle Modification and (vi) Risk Management. The majority of survey participants (93-97%) considered each unit of competency as being important to practice successfully as an entry-level EP. The majority (78-95%) of the sub-group who identified as new EPs considered themselves competent in each unit, suggesting the competencies are articulated at the level of a new EP. Conclusion: The competencies resulted from an extensive, iterative process involving those with expertise in the area followed by initial validation. The competencies will have a range of applications, including informing the development of a student placement assessment tool

Determination of clinical competencies for exercise physiology students

Introduction: Clinical placements and assessment are a key part of health professional education. However, quality assessment in a clinical environment is difficult to achieve without a clear picture of what constitutes competence. The aim of this study was to establish a set of competencies that describe the attributes considered critical to ensuring an entry-level exercise physiologist (EP) can practice safely and effectively with a client-centred philosophy. Methods: This study used a mixed methods, multiphase approach. The competencies, which are organised into units of competency with underlying elements, were developed following online surveys and focus groups involving those with expertise in the area, with additional refinement provided by the project team. A first-stage validation was conducted via electronic survey where (i) participants rated the importance of each unit of competency to practice as an entry-level EP; and (ii) those participants who were recently graduated EPs rated the extent to which they perceived they were competent in each unit. Results: The final set of competencies is described as 19 elements organised into 6 units. The units are: (i) Communication, (ii) Professionalism, (iii) Assessment and Interpretation, (iv) Planning and delivery of an exercise and/or physical activity intervention, (v) Lifestyle Modification and (vi) Risk Management. The majority of survey participants (93-97%) considered each unit of competency as being important to practice successfully as an entry-level EP. The majority (78-95%) of the sub-group who identified as new EPs considered themselves competent in each unit, suggesting the competencies are articulated at the level of a new EP. Conclusion: The competencies resulted from an extensive, iterative process involving those with expertise in the area followed by initial validation. The competencies will have a range of applications, including informing the development of a student placement assessment tool

The development of a functional and valid physical employment assessment standard for NSW Mines Rescue Brigadesmen

BACKGROUND: Given the physical demands of mining and rescue operations, a physical employment standard was warranted to ensure capable workers are selected. While evaluations of muscular strength and muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance domains are common, assessment of a worker’s ability to meet the physically demanding postural requirements is often neglected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to develop a valid assessment for NSW Mines Rescue Brigadesmen that replicated the combined muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance and postural demands of constructing a timber pillar. METHODS: Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured and dominant postures identified when incumbent Brigadesmen constructed a timber pillar. A shelf-stacking assessment was designed and validated. RESULTS: When Brigadesmen performed the block placement role, the task elicited a mean VO2 of 1.6 L.min–1, and required repeated placement of ∼8.7 kg blocks from 0 to 3.0 m. A shelf stacking assessment (5 min, mean VO2 1.7 L.min–1) replicating dominant postures and requiring repeated block placement at 0, 0.65, 1.10, 1.64 and 2.20 m was developed. The demand of the test, performed within a discontinuous circuit, was subsequently verified (1.6 L.min–1). CONCLUSIONS: A valid, physiological aptitude test that considered the job-related movement patterns, in addition to cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance requirements, was developed for Brigadesmen

Thai Yoga improves physical function and well-being in older adults: A randomised controlled trial

Objectives: Compare two 12-week low-intensity exercise regimens on components of physical function and quality of life in community-dwelling healthy yet sedentary adults aged over 60. Design: This study used a randomised, multi-arm, controlled trial design. Methods: Thirty-nine sedentary participants (29 women), aged 67.7. ±. 6.7 years were randomly allocated to either a 12-week Thai Yoga (TY) or Tai Chi (TC) for 90. min twice per week, or telephone counselling Control (C). A Senior Fitness Test (chair-stand, arm-curl, sit-&-reach, back-scratch, 8-foot up-&-go and 6-min walk) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey, Centre for Epidemiological Studies of Depression, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale were assessed at baseline, six, 12 weeks, and three months after the completion of the regimen. Results: After 12 weeks, chair. -stand (mean difference, 2.69; 95% CI, 0.97-4.41; P. \u3c. 0.001), arm-curl (2.23; 95% CI, 0.06-4.52; P. =0.009), sit-&-reach (1.25; 95% CI, 0.03-2.53; P. =0.013), back-scratch (2.00; 95% CI, 0.44-3.56; P. =0.005), 8-foot up-&-go (-0.43; 95% CI, -0.85 to 0.01; P. =0.013), 6-min walk (57.5; 95% CI, 20.93-94.07; P. \u3c. 0.001), vitality (13.27; 95% CI, 2.88-23.66; P. =0.050) and enjoyment (7.96; 95% CI, 3.70-12.23; P. =0.001) significantly improved in . TY compared to . C, however no change was observed in . TC compared to . C. . TY improved in chair-stand (2.31; 95% CI, 0.59-4.03; P. =0.007), sit-&-reach (1.38; 95% CI, 0.10-2.66; P. =0.007), 6-min walk (32.31; 95% CI, -4.26-68.88; P. =0.015), vitality (12.88; 95% CI, 2.50-23.27; P. =0.040) and enjoyment (5.65; 95% CI, 1.39-9.92; P. =0.010) compared to . TC after 12 weeks. Conclusions: The findings suggest that older adults can make significant improvements in their health and well-being by engaging in low intensity Thai Yoga exercise

Effect of Practice on Performance and Pacing Strategies During an Exercise Circuit Involving Load Carriage

Pacing is critical for athletic endeavors, and the strategies used by athletes are often modified after practice. The importance of practice when completing occupational assessments has been established; however, the effect of load carriage and discrete subtask activities on strategies to modulate physical exertion to complete a work task simulation is currently unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effect of practice on pacing strategies used to complete a physiological aptitude assessment circuit. Twenty-five participants completed an assessment designed for firefighters on 3 occasions. The circuit comprised 6 disparate tasks (including unilateral load carriage, static holds and fire-hose drags) with lap and task completion times recorded. Pacing strategies were examined relative to the effect of practice throughout (globally) and within the assessment (discrete tasks). By the second visit, overall test performance and discrete task performance of the first, fourth, and fifth tasks improved, respectively, by 12.6% (95% confidence interval: ±3.6%, p \u3c 0.01), 12.4% (±6.0%, p \u3c 0.01), 11.7% (±4.9%, p \u3c 0.01), and 17.8% (±10.0%, p \u3c 0.03). Compared with visit 1, significant improvements in performance were observed on the second and third visit. However, no significant additional improvement was noted between visits 2 and 3. Therefore, to reliably assess performance of the occupational test, 1 practice session (2 visits) is required. Practice is important to allow individuals to optimize their pacing strategy for successful performance

Hormonal response patterns are differentially influenced by physical conditioning programs during basic military training

Objectives: Compare traditional military physical training and more contemporary physical training on catabolic and anabolic hormones and body composition in recruits undertaking basic military training (BMT). Design: A prospective cross-sectional study design. Methods: Two recruit intakes were assessed over the 12-week Australian Army BMT course. The control group (CON) comprised 40 recruits (26M/14F) and the experimental group (EXP) comprised 35 recruits (25M/10F). Hormone concentrations (IGF-I, testosterone, cortisol, SHBG) and body composition were assessed at weeks 1 and 12. The EXP group undertook a higher-load/intensity physical training regimen, while CON undertook the extant physical training program which focused on cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Total physical activity within physical training sessions was assessed during weeks 2, 6 and 9. Results: There was a significant group. x. time interaction (p. \u3c . 0.01) for IGF-I and cortisol, and main effects over time (p. \u3c . 0.01) for IGF-I, cortisol and SHBG. There were main effects for time (p. \u3c . 0.05) for lean and fat mass, and these changes were associated (p. \u3c . 0.05) with altered hormone concentrations. Physical activity levels were approximately 50% lower in EXP than CON during physical training sessions. Conclusions: This is the first study to report a differential hormone response to contrasting physical conditioning regimen during BMT. The results indicate that the recruits who completed the EXP physical training regimen had an attenuated stress profile. This is an important observation, as any enhancement of recruit training outcomes are critical for Army noting that fundamentally, organisational capability is reliant upon the physical capability of its personnel

Eccentric cycling emphasising a low cardiopulmonary demand increases leg strength equivalent to workload matched concentric cycling in middle age sedentary males

Objectives: This study determined if eccentric endurance cycling, eliciting a low cardiovascular demand, could stimulate muscle strength adaptations in sedentary middle-aged males. Design: Twenty-four middle-aged sedentary males were allocated to concentric (CON) or matched workload eccentric (ECC) cycling (60% peak concentric workload) according to their maximal voluntary isometric quadriceps strength. Methods: Seventeen participants [42.7 ± 8.3 years, BMI 28.6 ± 5.2, peak oxygen consumption [30.5 ± 5.8 mL kg−1 min−1 ] completed 8 weeks (2 sessions per week) of CON (n = 8) or ECC (n = 9) cycle training. Incline leg press (6RM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque of the quadriceps and peak oxygen consumption were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Eccentric cycle training resulted in low cardiovascular demand (CON 154 ± 2; ECC 95 ± 3 b min−1 P \u3c 0.05) and ratings of perceived exertion (CON 14.9 ± 0.3; ECC 9.5 ± 0.3/20 P \u3c 0.05). Peak oxygen consumption improved within the CON group (Baseline 27.4 ± 2.1; 8 weeks: 30.0 ± 1.7 mL kg−1 min−1 P \u3c 0.05) and not within the ECC group (Baseline 33.2 ± 1.5; 8 weeks 33.3 ± 1.6 mL kg−1 min−1 ) following training. 6RM (CON 176 ± 20; ECC 192 ± 11 kg) and MVIC (CON 199 ± 25; ECC 199 ± 25 Nm) strength were equivalent at baseline (P \u3e 0.05). Both groups significantly increased 6RM (CON 13.0 ± 3.0; ECC 10.7 ± 3.2%) and MVIC (CON 12.9 ± 4.3; ECC 18.8 ± 3.0%) relative to their own baseline (P \u3c 0.05). Therefore, improved leg strength was equivalent between CON and ECC groups despite the varied training (P \u3e 0.05). Conclusions: In sedentary middle age males, eccentric endurance cycling with a low cardiovascular demand, increased both quadriceps isometric and 6RM strength comparable to a matched workload concentric cycling program